Essex embark upon a hectic programme of three limited overs games in as many days today.

Kent Spitfires are the first opponents when they visit Chelmsford for a Twenty20 Cup day-night clash.

A trip to Hove follows for a meeting with the Sussex Sharks in the same competition before Zimbabwe provide the opposition at Chelmsford on Sunday.

That duel will result in a brotherly reunion with Andy Flower, one of the county's overseas starts, linking up with sibling Grant.

But it is the two cup matches that take on the greater importance.

After yesterday's victory over Hampshire, Essex need no reminder about having to stay on the winning trail if they hope to make further progress in the competition.

One thing they can be sure of is another bumper crowd.

Their first match under the newly installed lights against Pakistan ten days ago attracted a near capacity of 5,500.

And chief executive David East reports that there has been a heavy demand for tickets for the Kent visit.

Whatever the result it will point to another bumper pay day for the county. Pakistan's visit grossed receipts of £50,000, of which £23,000 came in the form of gate money.

Advance tickets for the Essex Eagles' first Twenty20 Cup home match are completely sold out.

Sales of tickets before the Eagles' Chelmsford clash against Kent Spitfires tomorrow have been closed due to unprecedented demand.

About 500 tickets will be available from 4pm when the gates open, although a seat cannot be guaranteed.

The match is to be played under floodlights and starts at 7.30pm.

Advance tickets for the Middlesex Crusaders match on Tuesday, June 24 remain available from the club's ticket office on 01245 254010.

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

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